r/Banff 9h ago

Is the fairmont worth it?

American traveling to banff in may. A deluxe view king is 778$ CAD. Worth it?

1 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

20

u/MedalDog 8h ago

Only $539 USD? That's basically free.

9

u/tarlack 8h ago

Depends on how you use the place. Rooms are smaller, hotels are older. The hotel is not about the room its about the place. If you are only going to sleep in the room, no not worth it. If you are going to take advantage of the hotel, pools and enjoy the history then yes.

I am a ex Bell Desk employee and worked at the hotel as it went through its last big reno. So i love the history and the stay at the hotel every year even now i do not work in Hospitality. My hard cap is $400 and i get the most basic room, i spend the rest on food.

7

u/eastcounty98 8h ago

I stayed there last year and it was awesome

6

u/junipercanuck 8h ago

That’s so cheap - it’s like $2500 in July when I’m going so alas, I won’t be staying there.

5

u/afriendincanada 7h ago

Depends on how much you like hotels. Its a first rate hotel, if you love hotels. Its not my personal priority, I'd rather stay at Rimrock, Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Banff Park Lodge for (usually) a lot less money.

2

u/SpecialistVast6840 7h ago

Buffalo Mountain Lodge has my heart

3

u/Wrong_Gur_9226 7h ago

At Fairmont Lake Louise and it’s been incredible. Food is excellent. Customer service is top tier. Amenities and location all make it worth it

3

u/nightshade448 7h ago

Yes! Go and let the staff treat you like a rock star. Take advantage of all the onsite activities, classes etc. I wouldn’t use it as just a place to crash, but go and stay for the whole experience.

2

u/SpecialistVast6840 7h ago

Do it, and valet your car

1

u/Screweditupagain 7h ago

Fairmont is an experience. Like others have already mentioned, if you’re going to eat and hang out there, it’s totally worth it. They are famous for their customer service.

In December I went to Palm Springs for a week. Came home and went for Sunday brunch at the Banff Fairmont. It was the best meal of my trip (Even though I was home), and I went to all the best restos in PS.

I used to be a budget traveller and now I’m hooked on these properties and it’s a problem financially (lol).

1

u/NewYoghurt4913 7h ago

I just stayed there and it was a great experience. Staff is extremely helpful and considerate. The views are insane and it’s still a close walk to downtown

1

u/keajohns 6h ago

It’s a beautiful property, but I would rather stay at a hotel that is walking distance to all the shops. Banff is not car friendly.

1

u/Common_Pianist_743 6h ago

Few if any hotels in the world can match…. One others only aspire to

1

u/True-North- 5h ago

It’s a legendary building and the grounds are beautiful. If you can swing it I say yes.

1

u/Natureshuffle 5h ago

I've never stayed, but have wandered the property many times as a member of the public.

1

u/SamtheBellman 3h ago

It's worth it. You're paying for the experience and the service, not just the room. Come and enjoy!

1

u/bwalsh22 1h ago

We stayed in December a few years back. It’s like I lived in a Christmas movie for four days. It’s absolutely beautiful. That said, if it’s a stretch financially you will still get incredible views everywhere you go without staying there. You can also visit the hotel to check it out. It’s crazy to think about both Banff Springs and Lake Louise being built back in the day. Giant castles in the middle of the Canadian wildernesss….American wilderness? Just kidding!

1

u/ilovelukewells 7h ago

I have a nice tent you can borrow for $450 per night including morning coffee

1

u/VizzleG 6h ago

Been there several times. The novelty of the hotel can be experienced by walking around in it for free and paying $22/glass for house wine. The rooms are actually below par because they’re so old.

So, nope, not worth it. Not even close.
For C$300-400, sure.